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1. Where is Asia first vertical lift railway sea bridge (new Pamban Bridge) located, which was inaugurated by PM Modi?
a. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
b. Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
c. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
d. Salem, Tamil Nadu
Answer: c. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge (New Pamban Bridge) and Supporting Bridge
– Inauguration Date: 6th April 2025
– Cost: Over ₹700 Crore (Cost of only Pamban Bridge is ₹535 Crore)
– Date of Construction: Project approval in 2019, construction completed in 2024.
– Length: 2.08 kilometers
– Vertical Lift Span Length: 72.5 meters
– Maximum Elevation: 17 meters (This allows smooth passage of ships and ensures uninterrupted train operations.)
– Bridge Location: This bridge connects Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameswaram.
Corrosion-resistant Bridge
– It is made of steel and coated with polysiloxane, which will protect it from rust and the salty sea water.
– The old bridge was closed in 2022 due to corrosion. Since then, rail connectivity between Rameswaram and Mandapam was discontinued.
Why This Place is Important
– According to the Ramayana, the construction of the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) started near Dhanushkodi, close to Rameswaram.
– This makes it significant from a religious perspective as well.
How the New Pamban Bridge Works
– The new Pamban Bridge is made up of 100 spans (sections).
– When a marine ship needs to pass, the center span (the middle section) of this navigation bridge (the bridge that opens for marine vessels) rises upwards.
– It operates on an electro-mechanical system.
– As a result, the center span can rise up to 22 meters in just 5 minutes.
– Only one person is needed to operate it.
– In contrast, the old bridge was a cantilever bridge, which was manually opened using levers, requiring 14 people.
– However, if the wind speed exceeds 58 km/h or more, the vertical system will not function, and an automatic red signal will be activated.
– Train services will be suspended until the wind speed returns to normal. This often occurs between October and February, when strong winds are common.
Why Did the British Need to Build the Bridge?
– During British rule, in 1850, a plan was made to create a sea route connecting India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon).
– The idea was to create a canal in the Palk Strait (Setusamudram), but this plan became unfeasible due to economic and environmental reasons.
– Subsequently, the British administration devised a new plan. This plan involved laying a railway line between Mandapam in Tamil Nadu and Pamban Island, and then connecting it via ferry (boats) from Dhanushkodi to Colombo.
– The plan for the old Pamban Bridge was made in 1870, but construction started in 1911.
– The rail service began on this bridge on 24th February 1914.
– The bridge had a length of 2.06 km and was built using special techniques to allow ships to pass underneath.
– The old Pamban Bridge was designed in a similar way to the Tower Bridge on the Thames River in London.
The Old Pamban Bridge Was Destroyed in the 1964 Cyclone
– On 23rd December 1964, a cyclone with winds of 240 km/h severely damaged the bridge.
– A train also derailed in the incident, resulting in the deaths of 150 people.
– Despite this devastation, the government rebuilt the bridge in just 46 days.
Source: The Hindu
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2. Actor Manoj Kumar passed away on 4 April 2025, in which year did he receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
a. 1996
b. 1999
c. 2015
d. 2020
Answer: c. 2015
– He was 87 years old.
– Manoj Kumar had been struggling with liver cirrhosis for a long time.
– He was also known by the nickname “Bharat Kumar.” His successful films included Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti, Roti Kapda Aur Makan.
– Manoj Kumar’s real name was Harikrishna Goswami.
– He was born on 24th July 1937 in Abbottabad, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).
Awards
– 1992: Padma Shri
– 2015: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Source: Indian Express
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3. In which country, massive protests called “Hands Off!” were held in 50 states against the President and his aide?
a. France
b. Germany
c. Sri Lanka
d. USA
Answer: d. USA
– On 5th April 2025, large-scale protests under the name “Hands Off!” took place in the United States.
– The term “Hands-off” here refers to the demand to “remove hands” from a particular institution, process, or right, especially in relation to Trump.
– These protests were mainly held against the policies and actions of President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk.
– The protests were organized by over 150 civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, and other groups.
– The protests primarily focused on his policies, interference in the judiciary, and the influence he had on democratic institutions.
Main Reasons for the Protests:
– Cuts in Social Services: Reductions in services such as Social Security and Medicaid.
– Interference in the Judiciary: Concerns regarding Elon Musk’s governmental role and his influence.
– Trump’s Appointment of Elon Musk: Trump has effectively made Elon Musk a kind of advisor within his administration.
– Musk’s Influence: Through his technology companies (such as X and Tesla), Elon Musk has been accused of controlling information, media censorship, and exerting significant influence over government contracts.
– Budget Cuts by the Trump Administration: There have been significant cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Affordable Housing.
– Impact on Vulnerable Groups: These cuts have had a detrimental effect on the elderly, the poor, and the middle class.
– Attacks on Minority Rights: Violations of the rights of immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups.
Nature of the Protests:
– Millions of people participated in these protests, which were largely peaceful with no major reports of arrests or violence.
Source: The Hindu | The Hindu Businessline
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4. US President Trump announced to impose how much percent reciprocal tariff on India?
a. 70%
b. 50%
c. 38%
d. 26%
Answer: d. 26%
– On Wednesday (April 2, 2025), U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 26% discounted reciprocal tariff on India.
How much tariff does India impose on the U.S.?
– At the time of announcing the tariff, President Trump showed a chart indicating that India had imposed a 56% tariff, “including currency manipulation and trade barriers.” Now, the U.S. will impose a 26% discounted reciprocal tariff on India.
What did Trump say about Narendra Modi?
– Trump said, “India is very tough. Modi is my good friend, but they are not treating us right.”
India’s Response:
– Following Trump’s tariff announcement, India’s first response came from the Ministry of Commerce, stating that it was assessing the impact of the 26% tariff. An official mentioned that the tariff could affect some sectors, but the Indian economy can withstand it.
Note: According to reports, an official mentioned that there are certain regulations in the Trump administration under which, if India addresses America’s concerns, some relief in the tariff could be provided. India is considering this.
When will the tariff be implemented?
– A 10% baseline tariff will also be imposed on goods coming into the U.S. from other countries, starting from April 5. The reciprocal tariff will be effective after midnight on April 9.
– Baseline Tariff: This tariff is applied to imports under the general rules of trade.
– Reciprocal Tariff: This is imposed in response to tariffs imposed by another country, like the U.S. imposing it on India.
#List of tariffs on what#
Country – Estimated tariffs on US goods – ‘Reciprocal’ tariffs – US trade deficit in 2024 – Per capita income (US is at $89,680)
Country – Tariffs by country, USA tariff
Cambodia – 97% – 49%
Vietnam – 90% – 46%
Sri Lanka – 88% – 44%
Bangladesh – 74% – 37%
Thailand – 72% – 36%
China – 67% – 34%
Taiwan – 64% – 32%
Indonesia – 64% – 32%
Switzerland – 61% – 31%
South Africa – 60% – 30%
Pakistan – 58% – 29%
India – 52% – 26%
South Korea – 50% – 25%
Japan – 46% – 24%
Malaysia – 47% – 24%
EU – 39% – 20%
Israel – 33% – 17%
Philippines – 34% – 17%
UK – 10% – 10%
Brazil – 10% – 10%
Singapore – 10% – 10%
Chile – 10% – 10%
Australia – 10% – 10%
Turkey – 10% – 10%
Colombia – 10% – 10%
World : -12,02,872 – $14,450
Note: The US has decided to impose half the tariff on about 60 countries compared to their tariff.
Some of the countries facing baseline tariff
– UK
– Singapore
– Brazil
– Australia
– New Zealand
– Turkey
– Colombia
– Argentina
– El Salvador
– United Arab Emirates (UAE)
– Saudi Arabia
25% Tariff on Auto Imports
– The president announced that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on imported cars from foreign countries.
– This tariff will take effect from midnight on April 3.
– The biggest impact of this announcement will be on American cars, as the prices of imported cars will rise.
– Drinks like beer, whiskey, and tequila will become more expensive, and several cars could become $4,000 to $10,000 costlier.
– Trump also imposed a 200% tariff on alcohol from the European Union, which will make champagne and German beer more expensive.
– Additionally, products like fuel, maple syrup, and avocados will also become more expensive in the U.S.
America’s Trade Deficit
– The U.S. has a trade deficit of about $1.2 trillion with the world. A trade deficit refers to the gap between the value of goods that the U.S. exports and the value of goods it imports.
– A trade deficit of over one trillion dollars (indicated by a minus sign) means that the U.S. imports goods worth more than one trillion dollars compared to its exports.
America’s Warning
– According to BBC News, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen warned that no country should impose tariffs on the U.S. in response. He said, “Sit back and watch what happens next. If you retaliate, it will escalate.”
Source: The Hindu
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5. Which day did America declare on 2 April 2025?
a. Tariff Day
b. Liberation Day
c. Azadi Day
d. Trade Day
Answer: b. Liberation Day
– From the White House Rose Garden, Donald Trump stated, “Other countries have been robbing us for decades, but that will not happen anymore. April 2nd will now be remembered as Liberation Day.”
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6. When is International Day of Sports for Development and Peace celebrated?
a. 7 April
b. 6 April
c. 5 April
d. 4 April
Answer: b. 6 April
– This day is celebrated to highlight the importance of sports in society.
– The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared this day in 2013.
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7. Under the agreement between India and which country, India will design and build nuclear reactors in collaboration with it?
a. Britain
b. Russia
c. China
d. America
Answer: d. America
India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement
– Under the India-US civil nuclear agreement, U.S. companies will now be allowed to design nuclear power plants in India.
– This agreement was initially signed in 2007.
– It was signed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then-U.S. President George W. Bush.
– Approval for this agreement was granted on March 26, 2025.
– Under the agreement, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has given final approval for a U.S. company to jointly design nuclear power plants in India.
– Until now, U.S. companies could export nuclear reactors and equipment to India under the India-US civil nuclear agreement.
– However, they were prohibited from any design work or construction of nuclear equipment in India.
– The Indian government maintained that all design, construction, and technology transfer should be carried out within India.
– U.S. and Indian companies will now jointly manufacture small modular reactors (SMRs).
– However, the U.S. has stipulated that these jointly designed and built nuclear plants cannot be transferred to any other country or entity, except for India or the United States, without the prior written consent of the U.S. government.
What Will India Gain?
– This deal will help India gain expertise in designing and constructing nuclear power plants.
– Currently, India specializes in small nuclear reactors with a capacity of 220MWe, such as the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
– With this deal, India will gain the technology to construct more advanced nuclear plants, such as Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR).
Quick Facts About the U.S.:
– Capital: Washington, D.C.
– President: Donald Trump
– Population: 340.1 million (2024)
– Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
– Neighboring Countries: Canada, Mexico, Russia (via maritime borders)
Source: Indian Express
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8. When is National Maritime Day celebrated?
a. 7th April
b. 6th April
c. 5th April
d. 4th April
Answer: c. 5th April
– The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about maritime trade and transportation among people.
– On April 5, 1919, the first steamship of Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd., SS Loyalty, was launched from Mumbai for its first sea voyage to London in international waters.
– In memory of this event, this day has been observed annually since April 5, 1964.
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9. When is the International Mine Awareness and Mining Work Assistance Day observed?
a. 5 April
b. 4 April
c. 3 April
d. 2 April
Answer: b. 4 April
– This day is observed to raise awareness about the dangers posed by landmines, as well as to highlight the health and life-related issues caused by them.
– On December 8, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 4th as the day to observe this awareness.
– The day was first observed on April 4, 2006.
– This year, UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service) has decided to acknowledge this day under the “Mine Action Cannot Wait” campaign.
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10. Who became the new President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC)?
a. Ajay Verma
b. Rasool Jilani
c. Ishtiaq Ahmed
d. Mohsin Naqvi
Answer: d. Mohsin Naqvi (President of Pakistan Cricket Board)
– He is also the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board and Home Minister of Pakistan.
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11. What is the rank of India in the global ‘Readiness for Leading Technologies’ index, as per UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2025?
a. 30
b. 31
c. 36
d. 46
Answer: c. 36
– UNCTAD: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
– Name of the report: The 2025 Technology and Innovation Report 2025
Report Objective:
– To assess national readiness for adopting leading and emerging technologies.
– To provide policy insights for inclusive, technology-driven development.
– To track private investment, research and development, and innovation capabilities across different countries.
India’s Performance in the Report:
– In terms of readiness for leading technologies, India ranks 36th out of 170 countries, improving from 48th in 2022 to 36th in 2023.
– Private AI Investment: India ranks 10th globally.
– ICT Access: Rank 99
– Skill Development: Rank 113
– Research & Development Activity: Rank 3 (Global top performer)
– Industrial Capacity: Rank 10
– Access to Finance: Rank 70
Global AI Investment Ranking:
– India ranks 10th globally in private artificial intelligence (AI) investment.
– In 2023, India received $1.4 billion in AI funding.
– India and China are the only developing countries with significant AI investments.
– The USA is in the 1st position, having invested $67 billion in AI by 2023, accounting for 70% of global private AI investment.
– China ranks 2nd in AI investment.
Source: United Nations | Indian Express
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12. Who has been appointed by the Central Government as the new Chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)?
a. S Raman
b. Amit Pathak
c. Vijay Singh
d. KG Mohanty
Answer: a. S Raman
– The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment for a five-year term or until he reaches the age of 65.
– He will replace Deepak Mohanty, whose term will end in May 2025.
– Raman, currently the Deputy CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General), is an officer of the 1991 batch of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS).
PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority)
– PFRDA is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
– Establishment: August 23, 2003
– Headquarters: New Delhi
Source: Business Standard
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